The University and Information －Information Changes Learning－

President of the University of Tokyo

Hiroshi Komiyama

Global Focus on Knowledge Lecture Series“Information Changes the World” No.1

Information

Foundation

Information Society Information Machinery

Word

ComputerPrinting

Networks

Multimedia

Personal Computers

Communication

Internet

DatabasesSimulations

Virtual RealitySearch Engines Mobile

Ubiquitous

Artificial 

Inteligence

Life

Brain

Cyborgs

Community

Medical Systems

Net Society

Information Explosione‐administration

Electric Money

Information Economics

Globalization

Environment

Industry

Robots

Body Expression

Physicality

Contents

Media Art Entertainment

Movies Music

New Art

“Otaku”

Culture

Museums

Intellectual 

Property

Journalism

Pictures

Cognition

Information Changes the World

－the Global View－Ikuo

Takeuchi

“Information and Art Interfaces”Information 

Culture

s

Osamu Sudo

“Information Explosion and 

Creation of a New Network 

Society”

Tomomasa

Sato

“Robots, Information Art and 

Life”

Information

Knowledge

Hiroshi Harashima

“Why Information Technology Now?”

Hiroshi Komiyama

“The University and Information”

－Information Changes Learning－

PaperTelecommunication

Information Gap

Security

Public Media

Information 

Distribution

Scientific Calculation

Anime and 

Games

Drama

Public Art

Education

Manga

Films

WEB2.0

Intelligent Robots

Androids

Digital Human

Mass Media

Environmental Robots

Neural Networks

Industrial production

Ultimate Frontier Robots

Life‐supporting Robots

Cell Production‐supporting RobotsIndustrial Robots

3

Information Changes How You See

• Knowledge ←Structuralization → Utilization of Knowledge• Knowledge ←Information→

Sustainability

Information Changes our Senses

• Machines ←Robots→ Life, Intelligence• Functions and Structures of Protein

←Visualization→ Pharmacology

Information Changes How You Think

• Games• New Art

4

Circumstances in Existing Disciplines

• Various disciplines are in a state of chaos.• Can anyone grasp the big picture?

Particle size of a panoramic view• Information is borderless：it can cross borders in an

instant.

- the Google Empire （Google dominates the field of creating order from knowledge chaos.）

arbitrary rankingA speed that exceeds the speed of thought.

Possibility of “unexpected discovery”(serendipity) is lost.

Light and Shadow of Science

5

Human Knowledge over 1900 years

solar radiation

carbon gas

water

chlorophylloxygen

carbohydrates

6

Explosion of Knowledge！

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%94%BB%E5%83%8F:Calvin-cycle3.png‡

7

Can Anyone Grasp the Big Picture?

Computer’s Y2K Problem

Repeated Post Experiments３／３８

Nobody could.

8

Issues in the Water Environment （by Prof. Shinichiro Ogaki）

Health

Water Resources

River･Pond･Groundwater

Fish･Algae･Bacteria･Virus

Enzyme

Gene･DNA・RNA

Molecules

Secure Life・City

Water・Drainage

Value

Analysis

Parts

Framework

Whole

Substance

Can a researcher or an engineer be trained who can overview all of

these fields of knowledge? Chart：Prof. Ogaki, Department of Urban Engineering, the University of Tokyo

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Health

Water Resources

River･Pond･Ground Water

Fish･Algae･Bacteria･Virus

Enzyme

Gene･DNA・RNA

Molecule

RiskStatistics

Basin

Water Ecology

Farms

GIS

Living

Urban Programs

Image Processing

Information Processing

Water Ecology

Protein Engineering

Genetic Engineering

Water and Sewerage

Water Processing

Drain Pipes

Materials Engineering

SterilizationVirus

Water Quality Sensors

Water Quality Chemistry

Molecular BiologyUV・Ozone

Diffusion

Hydraulics

Radical Reactions

Molecular Orbital

Cattle

Veterinary

GeologySoil

Ground Water

Photocatalyst

Photochemistry

Block Planning

Management

Semiconductors

First Principle

Fluid Dynamics

Raining

ＰＣＲ

Fiscal Science

Secure Life・CityDisaster Prevention

Water・Drainage

Pathogens/ PoisonsEpidemiology

Immunology

Earth Climate

Climatology

Genetic Engineering

Microbiology/ Viriology

Agri

cult

ure

Bubble Flow

Knowledge Structure in the Water Environment (by Prof. Shinichiro Ogaki）

Chart：Prof. Ogaki, Department of Urban Engineering, the University of Tokyo

10

Knowledge Structure of Material Science

103s

100s

10-3s

10-9s

10-9m 10-6m 10-3m

Brown movement

10-6s

Length Scale

Tim

e S

cale

Finite Element MethodDifference Method

Distinct Element Method

Navier-Stokes equations

First Principle Molecular Dynamics（Quantum Theory）

（Classic）Molecular Dynamics

Langevin equation

Multiple Scale of a Condensed System Hierarchy

Phenomena 2

Phenomena 3

Phenomena 4

Phenomena 1

11

human activities

form of load

environmentalissues

Knowledge Structure of Environmental Issues

regulations

12

“Structuring knowledge” is essential to utilizing knowledge chaos.

To utilize knowledge beyond the borders of disciplines.

13

human activities

form of load

environmentalissues

Panoramic View of Environmental Problems

regulations

14

Implementation Example: Environmental Mandala （Itaru Yasui）

Motivating human activities

economic /social/ institutional issues that go on regardless of “environmental problems in a narrow sense”such as population explosion, starvation, stabilization of economy/ society, ethnic or religious battles

backlash from environmental problemsto economy/society/ institution

CO2，CH4，Ｎ２Ｏ

CFCNOx，SOxHC，ＣＯ，ＳＰ

ＰＡＨOrganic chlorideBOD，CODＮ．Ｐheavy metal

heavy metal

solid wastenoise・shakingheat wasteradiation

atmo sphe re

water

soil

radiati on

emission of pollutants

energy

mineral

natural resource

quantitative use of resources

changing natural environmentcoastal reclamationburden alterationbuilding artifacthunting wild animalhabitat alterationlandscape alteration

fossilmetal：Fe，NiAl，Cr，Ｃｄ・・・non-metal：Ｐ，Crfreshwaterwood aquatic resources

legal／economic ／educational／

technological

regulationfiniteness of environment

as a sink for wastes

effect on humanssurvival/ health

finiteness of environment as a supply source of

resources

health ofthe ecosystem

circumference of nature

Categories of environmental impactー

Form of loadload items（LCI)

population increase

・economic developm

ent

・urbanization

consideration of the life cycle

human activities that generate an environmental load

militaryagriculture, forestry,miningenergy generationindustrial productionservice industrytransportationconsumptionleisuresewage controlwaste disposalrecyclingenvironmental reclamationbuildingMega development

grasping in terms of regional scale

Environmental conservation activities

raw material↓material↓product↓distribution↓consumption↓disposal

everyday

←→accidentwardisaster

ordinary

cityregioncountryEarth

Sustainability

species levelnational／generationalfairnessindependent level

climate changeozone layer destructionacidificationeutrophicationsea pollutionchemical pollutanturban pollutionlocal environmentlandscape destructionchemical fuel depletionmineral resource depletionwater resourceforest resourcesoil degradationbiodiversity decrease

Descriptions are separately needed for interactions between phenomena.

Environmental issues（mainly from environmenal performance assessment,classification of indicators ）

15

Image of Knowledge StructuringImage of Knowledge Structuring１１ Panoramic View, OverviewPanoramic View, Overview

application field

principles

fundaments

16

Image of Knowledge StructuringImage of Knowledge Structuring ２２ Panoramic View, Detail ViewPanoramic View, Detail Viewoverview

（panoramic view, distant view）

detail view

sectional view （close view)

17

Weight Control Feedback System

（Hajime Nishimura, “genomu igaku nyumon” 2003, Nippon-Hyoron-sha Co.,Ltd. )

basal metabolism

Internal heat

medullainhibition signal

hypophysis

bodyexercise

food

regulation

Intestine

obesity signal

inhibition signal

‡

18

Sectional View：Signal Transduction for Obesity Regulation

obesity detection system primary transduction system secondary transduction system appetite regulation system

fat blood flow

leptin

receptorsleptin

neuron（arcurate nucleus）

neuron（

nucleus paraventricularis）

hypophysis

blood flow

appetite center

(nucleus tractus)

hormones

receptorsm

elanocortin

hormones

‡ （Hajime Nishimura, “genomu igaku nyumon” 2003, Nippon-Hyoron-sha Co.,Ltd. )

19

Image of Knowledge StructuringImage of Knowledge Structuring３３

Panoramic View, Synthesis of DisciplinesPanoramic View, Synthesis of Disciplines

20

Birth of Biodiversity

• agriculture ：

environment biology• literature ：

ecological ethics

• mathematics

⇒One of the sustainability sciences

21

-Information Gives New Expressions to Academic Disciplines-

• Expression of academia is no longer words alone.

• New wordsSimulation and visualization

Knowledge Structuring１: Panoramic View

Feedback system of human obesity

Technologies for sustainability - detail view of a detail view

Knowledge Structurin３: Synthesisecological science（agriculture）+ educational ethics（liberal arts）+ math

Knowledge Structuring２：Detail View

Substance process - process：structure：function：application

Human - molecular biology：cell：feedback system

Education principles of the University of Tokyo - text：ontology：

research

Environment - human activities：impact factors：

environmental issues：countermeasures

electricity generation: bicycle：wind mill：waterwheel：

thermal power：nuclear power

quantum mechanics, Boltzmann equation, Navier-Stokes

Structure of “Knowledge Structuring”

23

Example of Simulation -The structure of genomes and medicine－

The Steric Structure of Proteins

• Gene sequence determines protein “sequence” and protein sequence determines the steric structure (the function of protein）.

• Their virtual structure can be seen on a PC.

• Bcr-Abl kinase inhibits binding with substrates.

→

Abnormal proliferation is inhibited.• Bcr-Abl kinase specifically reacts.

→

No side-effects.

24

25

The New Form of Academic Disciplines -Knowledge structuring changes learning.-

• Simulation, visualization New methods of knowledge transmission.

Information independent of words• Academic discipline to deal with the needs

of the 21st century.• Considering how to use knowledge is one

academic discipline. A new method is born from matching

knowledge with intelligent values, economic values, social values, and cultural values.

26

The 21st Century University Model

• Creation of knowledge• Creation of value• Transmission of

structured knowledge

27

Concept of “Knowledge Structuring”

Intellectual Value Social Value

Cultural ValueEconomic Value

StructuringStructuring

Structuring Structuring

autonomously distributed and

created knowledge

28

Concept of a “Knowledge Structuring Center”

Structuring Method Development

・Development of knowledge-structuring methods・Liquefaction and crystallization of knowledge

expression ・Semantic computing・Structuring Knowledge from the Web

Intelligent Value-Related Research

・Evolving textbooks・Digitization of an all-campus syllabus and “UT all-campus knowledge structuring “ using MIMA

search techniques ・Science and technology literacy forJapanese people・Visualization of university education and research

Social Value Related Research

・Idea-supporting systems for problem solving

・Structuring and visualization of medical knowledge

・Structuring of compliance issues

Cultural Value-Related Research

・“New Encyclopedia” Project

・“Wisdom and Tree of Media Analysis”Project

・Structuring of NHK archives andeducational navigation

Economic Value-Related Research

・Material nano-technology knowledge basis・Workshop for business knowledge structuring

29

Komiyama’s Conviction

Research and education should be linked in real time.

The results of knowledge segmentation remain at the forefront for all peoplethe answer：textbook ⇔

ontology ⇔

research

Educational resources should be concentrated in Komaba.

environment：energy：sustainability：science of aging：oceanbrain science：nuclear power plants：giant earthquakes, etc.the answer：knowledge structuring＋education institution

30

• Knowledge has a network structure.

Knowledge Structuring

understanding of a broad knowledge basereuse of knowledge

Reintegration by knowledge fragmentation and analogy

solar battery

fuel battery

lithium battery

application academia

adding value to knowledge

social technology

energy

environment

Knowledge matchingchemistry

physics biology

31

reptiles

porifer

jellyfish, actinia, coral

shellfish, squid, octopus

earthworms, lobworms

crustaceaspiders, scorpions

sea urchins, asterids, trepang

amphibians

birds

bacteria

spirochaetemicrobe

algae

amoebaflagellates

moss

gingko, cycad

nut pinefern

chrysanthemumorchids

rice

wheat angiosperm

gymnosperm

fungusyeast

mushroom

“Organisms are diverse”

insectsmammals

32

加齢や高齢化に関する知識

の集積

correction・

assessment 新機軸

協働した新しい知見を

社会に還元

gerontologyジェロントロジージェロントロジーGerontology

Mind

Living Activities

Human Relationships

Working/ Retirement

HouseholdHabitat

Death/ EthicsNursing Care

Society/ Culture

Economy

PoliticsPhysiology Geriatric Medicine

Accumulation of knowledge

about ageing

usage of time

leisure

same-generation counseling

lifelong learning

etc.

memory

character

accomplishments

values

time concept

etc.

chronic disease

clinic

medicine

discharge support

cost

etc.

genes

cells

intestines / skeletons

nutrients

exercise

etc.

concern for politics

voting

motive for voting

behavior theory of

senior groups

etc.

income difference

tax system

social security

public assistance

senior market

modernization

etc.

youths’

view on seniors

seniors’

view on youths

media’s view on seniors

public servant systemic

reforms

structure and functionalism

etc.

husband and wife

parents and kids

brothers and sisters

friendship

etc.

desire to work

retirement and health

mandatory age

flotation after retirement

work sharing

etc.

income

outcome

family saving

asset management

inheritance

etc.

whom to live with

replacement /

removal

barrier-free

reverse mortgage

etc.

understanding death

preparation for death

bereavement practice

things after death

death

with dignity

Hospice care

etc.

prevention

assessment

care plans

service model

public insurance/ private insurance

adult guardianship system

etc.

innovation

Reduce new knowledge from collaboration to

society

33

Purpose of Scientific Integration - Project “Earth” Show the relationship between various academic disciplines concerned with the Earth. Make them easy to understand for freshmen and the general public, stratify them so that the top level would be in laboratories. Show them on the Web so that anyone can see them in libraries. →Make possible various simulations and models.

simulation

light transmission model

gas chemistry model

particle chemistry model

cloud physics model

earth surface model

ice cap model

local climate model

Earth model

Earth simulator

weather modelclimate model

Earth integration model

Highly complex climate/ environment

model

plant ecology model

urban model

river model

economy/ energy model

Physics/ Chemistry FrameDynamics Frame

Highly Complex System and the Role of the University

experts

widening relationssmaller

than 100

Hundreds?

(UT instructors: 4000!)

Reproduction of Vapor Distribution by a High-Resolution Atmosphere Model

Reproduction of Air Pollutants and Sand Aerosol Distribution

Reproduction of an Intermediate WaterJet by a

High-Resolution Model Using an Earth Simulator

34

Role of Information in Education

– Relationship between a trend of knowledge and higher education

– Relationship between a trend of knowledge and elementary and secondary education

The next generation will solve today’s issues.– Relationship between a trend of knowledge and

continuing education

⇔ Humans share “structured knowledge”in real time

35

Komiyama’s Conviction

Research and education should be linked in real time.

The results of knowledge segmentation remain at the forefront for all peoplethe answer：textbook ⇔

ontology ⇔

research

Educational resources should be concentrated in Komaba.

environment：energy：sustainability：science of aging：oceanbrain science：nuclear power plants：giant earthquakes, etc.the answer：a knowledge-structuring＋education institution

This gives birth to and fosters genuine learning.

36

（For teachers）

Ideal textbook（book + Web）

（For parents） （For students）

Parents can support their children’s learning by accessing “the ideal textbook（for parents）” , an educational tool for parents developed by “educational institutions”. Parents can participate in education.

parents

Teachers look for more effective teaching methods on their own using educational contents such as “the ideal textbook (for teachers)” and faculty training materials developed by “educational institutions”.

Children can learn according to their interests using an online “ideal textbook” linked to the basic textbook.

teacher-training texts

Infinite number of educational contents are on internet.

teachers

children

Research in Elementary Education in Real-time

37

Real-time Dissemination of Structured Knowledge

Generation and dissemination of knowledge

Structured knowledge

Information

Foundation

Information Society Information Machinery

Word

ComputerPrinting

Networks

Multimedia

Personal Computers

Communication

Internet

DatabasesSimulations

Virtual RealitySearch Engines Mobile

Ubiquitous

Artificial 

Inteligence

Life

Brain

Cyborgs

Community

Medical Systems

Net Society

Information Explosione‐administration

Electric Money

Information Economics

Globalization

Environment

Industry

Robots

Body Expression

Physicality

Contents

Media Art Entertainment

Movies Music

New Art

“Otaku”

Culture

Museums

Intellectual 

Property

Journalism

Pictures

Cognition

Information Changes the World

－the Global View－Ikuo

Takeuchi

“Information and Art Interfaces”Information 

Culture

s

Osamu Sudo

“Information Explosion and 

Creation of a New Network 

Society”

Tomomasa

Sato

“Robots, Information Art and 

Life”

Information

Knowledge

Hiroshi Harashima

“Why Information Technology Now?”

Hiroshi Komiyama

“The University and Information”

－Information Changes Learning－

PaperTelecommunication

Information Gap

Security

Public Media

Information 

Distribution

Scientific Calculation

Anime and 

Games

Drama

Public Art

Education

Manga

Films

WEB2.0

Intelligent Robots

Androids

Digital Human

Mass Media

Environmental Robots

Neural Networks

Industrial production

Ultimate Frontier Robots

Life‐supporting Robots

Cell Production‐supporting RobotsIndustrial Robots